Soil organic carbon, carbon stock and their relationships to physical attributes under forest soils in Central Amazonia.

The soil carbon under Amazonian forests has an important roles in global changing, making information on the soil content and depths of these stocks are considerable interest in efforts to quantify soil carbon emissions to the atmosphere.This study quantified the content and soil organic carbon stock under primary forest up to 2 m depth, at different topographic positions, at Cuieiras Biological Reserve, Manaus/ ZF2, km 34, in the Central Amazon, evaluating the soil attributes that may influence the permanence of soil carbon. Soil samples were collected along a transect of 850 m on topographic gradient Oxisol (plateau), Ultisol (slope) and Spodosol (valley). The stocks of soil carbon were obtained by multiplying the carbon content, soil bulk density and trickiness of soil layers. The watershed was delimited by using STRM and IKONOS images and the carbon contend obtained in the transects was extrapolated as a way to evaluate the potential for carbon stocks in an area of 2678.68 ha. The total SOC was greater in Oxisol followed by Spodosol and Ultisol. It was found direct correlations between the SOC and soil physical attributes. Among the clay soils (Oxisol and Ultisol), the largest stocks of carbon were observed in Oxisol at both the transect (90 to 175.5 Mg C ha-1) as the level of watershed (100.2 to 195.2 Mg C ha-1). The carbon stocks under sandy soil (Spodosol) was greater to clay soils along the transect (160-241 Mg C ha-1) and near them in the Watershed (96.90 to 146.01 Mg C ha-1).

AVALANCHAS EN LA SIERRA VOLCANICA CENTRAL. EL CASO DE RIO CIRUELAS

El dia 20 de julio de 1988, en la tarde, se produjo una avalancha considerable en el rio Ciruelas, localizado en la ladera suroeste del volcán Barva, Heredia, Costa Rica, causando daños enormes en la población de San Bosco de Santa Bárbara.  El área afectada se dividió en tres grandes sectores, descritos a continuación: I.        SECTOR SUPERIOR (DESLIZAMIENTOS)Comprendido entre las cotas de 2.600m y 2.800 m, o sea cerca de la cima del Barva, caracterizado por desprendimientos de materiales poco consolidados (cenizas gruesas) con un ancho de aproximadamente 30m-40m y una profundidad de aproximadamente 4m-5m en casi todos los afluentes del rio Ciruelas. II.      SECTOR INTERMEDIO (TRANSITO)Comprendido entre las cotas de 2.600m y 1.600m, caracterizado por profundización erosiva del cauce en areas de materiales poco resistentes y por la ocurrencia de pequeños deslizamientos secundarios causados por la profundización del cauce. III.    SECTOR BAJO ( SEDIMENTACION)De 1.600m hasta 950m, caracterizado por la sedimentación en los primeros kilómetros de material grueso(bloques mayores de 2m). El pueblo de San Bosco esta situado sobre un abanico aluvial de materiales de eventos similares. En lo9s siguientes kilómetros se presenta la sedimentación de materiales mas finos.  La causa de esta desastre es únicamente la presencia de lluvias de alta intensidad provocadas por un frente de brisa, que en este dia ocurrieron en el sector I, provocando los deslizamientos y por ende las avalanchas de rocas y lodo que llegaron a los lugares mas bajos. Por estar el sector superior totalmente y el sector intermedio parcialmente en la selva virgen del Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo se puede excluir definitivamente algún impacto humano que haya causado la desestabilización de las laderas. Por los vestigios de eventos antiguos de este tipo( acumulaciones cerca de San Bosco) se puede derivar que estos fenómenos también ocurrieron en tiempos pasados , sin embargo, se estima la probabilidad de una repetición pronta como muy baja. SUMMARYA big avalanche  that occurred the 20 th of july in the afternoon in the (rio ciruelas) watershed situated on the sowthwestern slope of the Volcano Barva, Costa Rica, caused big losses in the village of San Bosco de Santa Barbarbara. Based on field observations we distinguished three sectors analysed below: I.                    SUPERIOR SECTOR (LAND SLIDES)Localed in altitude between 2.600m and 2.800m near the peak of the volcano, characterized by landslides of poorly consolidated ashes, with a  width of between 30m-40m and a depth of about 4m to 5m, found in nearly and all of the affluents of the (Rio Ciruelas). II.                  MEDIUM SECTOR (TRANSIT)Between 2.600m and 1.600m, characterized by deep erosion in area of materials of low resistivity and by secondary(small) landslides provoked by the destruction of the support. III.                LOWER SECTOR ( SEDIMENTATION)Between 1.600m and 950m, characterized by sedimentation, in the first kilometers of coarse material (sometimes<2m).The village of San Bosco was constructed exactly above the detrictic cone of anterior events. In the subsequent kilometers we found the sedimentation of fine materials. As the cause of this desastre we analysed high intensity rainfalls provoked by a local front in the zone of the firt sector, causing landslides and then avalanches in the lower part of the primary forest of the national park <<Braulio Carrillo>>.The sediments of older events(the San Bosco cone) prove that avalanches ocurr in this area with a certain frecuency, but with relatively long recurrence intervals.   

EL PROCESO DE URBANIZACION EN LA PERIFERIA DEL AREA METROPOLITANA: LOS CASOS DE TURRUCARES Y MONTE DE LA CRUZ

Este avance de investigación pretende ofrecer una visión preliminar de un fenómeno bastante reciente que se está dando en Costa Rica y particularmente en el Valle Central: la urbanización del espacio agrícola. Este proceso se está desarrollando más allá del espacio suburbano y presenta una especialidad diferente, ya que aquí la organización social campesina y las actividades agropecuarias siguen siendo predominantes. Sin embargo, esta extremadamente vinculado con el proceso de metropolizacion que surge en el país. Se está asistiendo, pues, a una reubicación de los espacios residenciales de las clases de mejores ingresos, las cuales influenciadas tal vez por un modelo ideológico importado, buscan poder disfrutar de las ventajas que ofrece el espacio rural pero con la posibilidad de seguir trabajando en la ciudad y seguir gozando de los servicios urbanos. La  rural-urbanización dentro de una estrategia global de estructuración del espacio puede ser considerada como un mecanismo de selección y una apropiación de los mejores lugares donde se dará la futura de expansión urbana. Desde esta perspectiva, resulta interesante llamar la atención de cómo ciertos sectores sociales están proyectando desde ahora la futura expansión del espacio metropolitano.   SUMMARY This preliminary investigative report presents a viewpoint about a very recent phenomenon that is occurring in Costa Rica and especially in the Central Valley: the urbanization of the agrarian space. This process is developing beyond the suburban areas and presents a different spacial structure because in these areas, the rural social structures and the livestock and agricultural activities are still predominant. Nevertheless, such activities are very much related to the urbanization process occurring in the country. As such, we are witnessing a reubication of the residential structure of the high-income classes, of which, influenced perhaps by an improved idiologic model, hope to enjoy the advantages offered by a rural area but also taking advantage of the convenience offered by the urban benefits; plus the opportunity to keep working in the city. The process of rural urbanization conceived in a global strategy of spatial structures, can be considered as a selection and appropriation mechanism of the best areas for the future urban expansion. From this perspective, it is interesting to call attention to the process by which certain social sectors are now projecting the future organization of the metropolitan area.  In reference to the real-estate capital invested in the study areas, and specifically to Costa Rica capital, this investment in the promotion of real-estate, acts as a shelter sector, by changing the course of direction of the capital accumulated in the other economic sectors, especially considering that the real-estate sector insures more secure profits in spite of the relatively insignificant recuperation rate of the capital investment comparison to the industrial sector, where more capital risks occur, above all during an economic crisis.  At present, the zones influenced by rural urbanization are affected by a modification in their productive structure, in other words, what were once agricultural zones, are now converted to residential zones. This produces spectacular changes in the composition of the work force by producing service-oriented employment that leads to the following abandonment of the agricultural activities.  From a social point of view, this rural urbanization pattern provokes a marked spatial segregation, in which an exclusive high income social group with a particularly consuming life style is noted at one level, and on the other, social groups that inhered patterns of rural life with more traditional lifestyles. In reference to the community level in the study areas, localized conflicts have emerged between local people and the new residents. These conflicts are highly conditioned by the insertion in the communities of these new residents.       RESUME   Ce document préliminaire décrit un phénomène assez récent au Costa Rica, qui affecte plus particulièrement la « Vallée Centrale ». il s’agit de l’urbanisation de l’espace agricole.  Ce sont des espaces franchement ruraux, bien au-delà des banlieues, qui sont affectés par ce processus qui, en conséquence, montre des caractères différents: comme se maintien de la organisation social liée aux activités agricoles; en face l’infiltration d’un autre mode de vie dû à sa transformation en espace résidentiel pour classes aux revenus élevés qui, peut-être, influencées par un modèle culturel importé, préfèrent une localisation qui puisée leus offrir à  la fois les avantages de vivre dans un espace rural avec ceux de la ville, lieu de travail suffisamment proche dont elles continuent à pouvoir utiliser ses services. Ce modèle culturel doit être considère en fonction du processus de métropolitain apparu dan le pays. L’urbanisation de l’espace rural, dans une stratégie globale de structuration de l’espace peut se considérer comme un mécanisme de sélection et d’appropriation des meilleurs sites de l’expansion urbaine future.  Dans cette perspective, il est intéressant de constater qu’il existe déjà, de la part certains secteurs sociaux, un projet d’organisation de l’espace métropolitain futur. Le foncier est considéré comme un secteur refuge pour les capitaux nationaux d’où l’intérêt de la spéculation pour ces zones. En effet, ce placement, plus sûr, malgré un plus faible taux de récupération du capital, est préfère à d’ autres- comme l’investissement industriel- plus rentables, mais plus risqués, surtout en temps de crise. L’urbanisation de l’espace rural s’accompagne d’une modification des structures productives : moins d’agriculture et évolution de l’emploi vers le tertiaire liée à la présence de nouveaux résidents. Du point de vue social, cette situation se traduit par une très nette ségrégation spatiale. D’un côte, un group socio-économique aux revenus élèves représentant  la société de consommation ; de l’autre, les ruraux au style de vie plus traditionnel. Il en résulte une certaine tension entre les deux groupes.

ANALISIS DE LOS RECURSOS FISICOS DEL AREA DE QUEPOS Y PLAN MAESTRO PARA SU ORDENAMIENTO

La finalidad del presente estudio fue analizar en un espacio geográfico determinando (área de Quepos) los recursos físicos con el propósito de elaborar un plan maestro para su ordenamiento. Lo anterior sin perjuicio de los aportes que los estudios socio-económicos pueden establecer para el cumplimento de los objetivos propuestos. SUMMARY The main purpose of the present study was to analyze in a determined geographic space (the Quepos area), its physical resources for the purpose of elaborating a master plan for resource management. This study in no way minimizes the contributions of the social-economic studies in the accomplishment of the proposed objectives.   RESUME Le but de cette étude est l’analyse d’un espace géographique spécifique: Quepos sis ressources physiques, en vue de l’élaboration d’un schéma d’aménagement du territoire. L’étude, ne réduit pas l’importance des analyses socio-économiques qu’ont puissent établir pour y obtenir les buts dessin

Distribución Espacial de la Pea y Estructuración del Espacio Urbano Metropolitano en el Valle Central de Costa Rica 1960-1973

Estudio de la distribución geográfica de la población económicamente activa en el Area Metropolitana, que permite entender la estructuración del espacio metropolitano; por un lado, y el asentameitno de los diversos grupos sociales, por el otro. Una serie de mapas, precisan ese ordenameinto espacial de actividades y categorías socio-profesionales.

El Empleo en el Area Metropolitana de San José, 1976-1982

Avance de investigación que examina aspectos generales del mercado de trabajo en el Area Metropolitana de San José (AMSJ). Se presenta la evolución de la economía costarricense entre 1976 y 1982, en segundo lugar se revisa la definición territorial y político-administrativa del AMSJ.  En general, se afirma que la alternativa al "trabajo" no es el ocio, sino el deterioro acelerado de las condicioens de vida, por debajo de cualquier límite aceptable, e incluso, por debajo de límites biológicos absolutos.

EL DESARROLLO RECIENTE DE LA GEOGRAFÍA POLÍTICA EN EL AREA ANGLO-AMERICANA

Este ensayo introduce algunos conceptos nuevos, elaborados en el medio anglosajón en los ultimos años. 

Biophysical indicators based on satellite images in an irrigated area at the São Francisco River Basin, Brazil.

The Jaíba Irrigated Perimeter is a large irrigated agriculturearea, located in the region Forest Jaíba between the SãoFrancisco and Verde Grande rivers, in the Brazilian semi-arid region. In 2014, irrigators thisthe region face losses in theinterruption of new plantings in irrigated areas due to water scarcity. The objective ofthis study is combine the modelto estimate the Monteith BIO with the SAFER algorithm in the case of obtaining ET, to analyze the dynamics of naturalvegetation and irrigated crops in water scarcity period. For application of the model are necessary data frommeteorological stations and satellite images. Were used 23satellite images of MODIS withspatial resolution of 250mand temporal 16 days, of 2014 year. For analyze the results,we used central pivots irrigation mask of Minas Geraisstate, Brazil. In areas with irrigated agriculture with central pivot, the mean values of BIO over the year 2014 were88.96 kg.ha-1.d-1. The highest values occurred between April 23 and May 8, with BIO 139 kg.ha-1.d-1. For areas withnatural vegetation, the average BIO was 88.34 kg.ha-1.d-1with lower values in September. Estimates of ET varied withthe lowest values of ET observedin natural vegetation 1,91±1,22 mm.d-1and the highest values in irrigated area isobserved 3,51±0,97 mm.d-1. Results of this study can assist in monitoring of river basins, contributing to themanagement irrigated agriculture, with the trend of scarcity of water resources and increasing conflicts for the wateruse.

Passive solar systems for heating, daylighting and ventilation for rooms without an equator-facing facade

Spaces without northerly orientations have an impact on the ‘energy behaviour’ of a building. This paper outlines possible energy savings and better performance achieved by different zenithal solar passive strategies (skylights, roof monitors and clerestory roof windows) and element arrangements across the roof in zones of cold to temperate climates typical of the central and central-southern Argentina. Analyses were undertaken considering daylighting, thermal and ventilation performances of the different strategies. The results indicate that heating,ventilation and lighting loads in spaces without an equator-facing facade can be significantly reduced by implementing solar passive strategies. In the thermal aspect, the solar saving fraction reached for the different strategies were averaged 43.16% for clerestories, 41.4% for roof monitors and 38.86% for skylights for a glass area of 9% to the floor area. The results also indicate average illuminance levels above 500 lux for the different clerestory and monitor arrangements, uniformity ratios of 0.66–0.82 for the most distributed arrangements and day-lighting factors between 11.78 and 20.30% for clear sky conditions, depending on the strategy. In addition, minimum air changes rates of 4 were reached for the most extreme conditions.

The central role of communication in developing trust and its effect on employee involvement

Communication plays an important role in the development of trust within an organization. While a number of researchers have studied the relationship of trust and communication, little is known about the specific linkages among quality of information, quantity of information, openness, trust, and outcomes such as employee involvement. This study tests these relationships using communication audit data from 218 employees in the oil industry. Using mediation analysis and structural equation modeling, we found that quality of information predicted trust of one's coworkers and supervisors while adequacy of information predicted one's trust of top management. Trust of coworkers, supervisors, and top management influenced perceptions of organizational openness, which in turn influenced employees' ratings of their own level of involvement in the organization's goals. This study suggests that the relationship between communication and trust is complex, and that simple strategies focusing on either quality or quantity of information may be ineffective for dealing with all members in an organization.